I tried to quit like 20 years ago, major stress, didn't happen... Fast forward to today. My new surgeon told me, "6+ weeks no smoking, and none there after...or else I won't do the surgery." (Ouch - 5 levels) Okay dokay... I agree with him.

I am now bumping 5 days of no ciggies, and it isn't actually going too bad believe it or not! The "quit" stress has been actually pretty darn low!!! Hence my question. When I last "quit", at around 3 weeks, I coughed a lot, (got the cumma-zee-gum) out of the lungs. I am getting that NOW with only 4-5 days. After smoking for over 30 years, is that normal? When I last "quit", I had smoked for like 10 years if that helps....

I'm also more "sleepy" than I recall. I know energy will come back into the picture, but figuring my body has a bunch of issues it needs to address....

So hoping to be and continue....to be... an EX SMOKER!!! Thanks for listening guys!! *HUGZ*

I quit cold turkey before my 2009 surgery, I remember coughing alot during the first couple weeks. I think this is just your body trying to get rid of all that junk. As for the sleeping, I found that sometimes when the cravings were the worst, I would go take a nap. It seemed to help me forget about cravings and keep me smoke free. The other thing that helped was getting on the exercise bike. Pretty much anything to keep you mind off of ciggs.

I cant tell you how many times I have quit only to start up again. Im like you a 30 year smoker. Ive tried everything, gum, meds, and the electronic cig. I refrained from smoking with the electronic cig. but from what I have read it still has the same dangers as smoking a real cig. I wish I knew you were quitting and I would of started along with you. It would help to have a buddy going through the same thing. Keep the good work up and dont give in to temptation.
Susan

Keep up the good work. It sounds like the book your read really helped? What's the name of it again? You can do this. I know it helps to drink a lot of water to thin the crap coming up from your lungs. Get er done. 5 levels is a lot my goodness, thinking of you.

Susan - I hope you can quit too. Brenda said she read a good book that helped her. I used Wellbutrin(Zyban in disguise that my Dr. ordered as an anti-depressant so my insurance would cover it) took away cravings I had when I quit before. Best wishes. Char

As a 30 yr smoker myself I admire anyone who can kick this nasty habit. I know you can do it--heck you're to mean not to! lol. I'll be rootin' for you my friend! You may even inspire me to give it a shot...

You can still quit with me! So what, you would be a few days behind, but that's cool! I too have the "e-cigs" and honestly, only took a few puffs off of it since I quit the real cigs... It's just not the same, plus my "need" for nicotine seems pretty low. Oh, hehehe...each time I look at my x-rays, any urge to smoke goes "up in smoke"...rofla!!

Jellyhall told me of this book! And she's a non smoker! (G) Basically it is called "The easy way to stop Smoking" by Allen Carr. It's only 200 pages, so easy reading. For me it gave me a different frame of mind between me and ciggies!! It is also available via NOOK/ebook.

Spine-health publishes original articles written for patients by over 100 physician authors and peer-reviewed
by a 17 member Medical Advisory Board. This trusted, independent site is supported by hundreds of physician
members and visited by millions of patients and their physicians.

The information in Spine-health.com is not intended as a substitute for medical professional help or
advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding back pain.